In the grand mosaic of our lives, there are pieces that radiate with an extraordinary brilliance, placed by those whose spirits refuse to be tethered by the mundane. One such piece is Maureen McGarrity, known affectionately to me and many of my friends as simply ‘Mom’.
Maureen McGarrity, a trooper in the truest sense, has weathered life’s storms with a grace and gumption that could only be described as formidable. A teacher by profession, she spent every school holiday loading my sister and I into a mechanically questionable car attached to a trailer, transforming time off into adventures across Canada’s sprawling landscapes. These journeys weren’t just vacations; they were vibrant classrooms on wheels, teaching us resilience, resourcefulness, and the rich tapestry of humanity.
From setting up campsites to navigating the unpredictable byways of life, Maureen instilled in us not just a work ethic but a profound world ethic. A memory that perfectly encapsulates her indomitable spirit occurred during a car breakdown near Kenora. A passerby, bearing misguided warnings about the local Indigenous community, left us both wary and unnerved. Intriguingly, this man offered no help beyond his cautionary tale. Yet, the universe always has a lesson up its sleeve, often taught through stark contrasts. The very next person to stop—an Indigenous man—was a paragon of kindness and helpfulness. His generosity not only helped us in a practical sense but dismantled the harmful stereotypes we had just been warned about. This encounter became a pivotal lesson in humanity for us, one that Maureen seized to guide our young minds toward a path of openness and understanding, teaching us to look beyond preconceptions and embrace the world without prejudice.
Maureen’s adventurous spirit didn’t stop at the Canadian border. She took us to school in England, across the landscapes of Europe, and even to the then-Soviet Union where my young hands clutched my stuffed animal as she helped us navigate the complexities of Cold War geopolitics. Her zest for life and exploration opened worlds to us, drawing into our lives a constellation of interesting and wonderful people. These friendships, forged across continents and carried through decades, have enriched our experiences and provided lessons just as valuable as those taught by family. From childhood companions who grew to be like family to newer acquaintances from various walks of life, each of her friends have contributed uniquely to our understanding of the world. Maureen’s ability to cultivate and cherish these relationships has not only benefited her own journey but has also significantly enriched mine, allowing me to learn from a broad spectrum of perspectives and experiences. From these connections, I have learned to value beyond anything else, the friends I have in my life.
Now, as time etches its passage more distinctly, Maureen faces the natural encroachments of age with a defiance that is both inspiring and instructive. Whether it was reaching Macchu Picchu with the aid of two canes just before a hip replacement, or hiking glaciers in Alaska, her determination to experience life’s wonders remains undimmed. Even on this latest adventure, her ability to solve problems and navigate ‘pickles’ was indispensable, proving that wisdom doesn’t wane with age.
But perhaps Maureen’s most enduring impact is the way she has shaped lives so many people. Through decades of teaching, she has passed on lessons of kindness, curiosity, and the inherent goodness in everyone to countless students. Her belief that the world is a magnificent place to explore and that people are fundamentally kind has been a guiding light not just for her daughters but for all who have had the privilege of crossing her path.
As I recount these stories and reflect on the indelible influence of my mother, I am reminded of the responsibility and the opportunity to carry forward her legacy. In the richness of her life, in her unwavering belief in the good, and her insatiable curiosity about the world, Maureen McGarrity embodies what it means to be a changemaker.
Here’s to you, Mom, and to the many roads we’ve traveled and the many we still will. You’ve changed the world, one incredible journey at a time.
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